Friday, October 1, 2010

Ken Nee wants to exit Games with a big splash

DIVER Yeoh Ken Nee is determined to make all the right moves to ensure his final appearance in the Commonwealth Games will turn out to be the most memorable one.
With exertions taking its toll on an aging body, the 27-year-old is unlikely to see action at the next Games in Glasgow in four years’ time.

Ken Nee went through a bittersweet experience in the last Games in Melbourne.
Although he made history by winning a first-ever medal, a silver, for Malaysia in Commonwealth Games diving from the 1m springboard event, Ken Nee’s hopes of further glory were crushed after he came down with fever and had to stop competiting in the 3m springboard final when he was in the lead after two dives.
Ken Nee also had to pull out of the 3m springboard synchronised event in which he was to partner Rossharisham Roslan.

Right moves: Yeoh Ken Nee wants a memorable final outing in the Commonwealth Games when he competes in New Delhi.

It was certainly a cruel blow to Ken Nee, who had given the then world champion, Alexandre Despatie of Canada, a good run for his money in landing the 1m springboard silver medal.
“I prepared well for Melbourne but I did not take proper care of myself and I got sick during competition,” said Ken Nee, who returned home on Wednesday with the diving squad after a month of intensive training in China.

“I hope it will not happen again. I’m more cautious now, especially when the Games are in India.
“We have been told that it’s best to only drink mineral water and also to avoid taking cut fruits because we do not know if they had been washed with tap water. I have to watch what I eat.”
Ken Nee has opted not to compete on the high board and will only concentrate on the springboard disciplines. Besides the individual events, he will partner Bryan Nickson in the 3m springboard synchronised competition.

Bryan has picked up a knee injury in training in China. He is down to compete in all five disciplines but may have to withdraw from one or two events and it is unlikely to be the springboard synchronised competition.
“It is also a main focus for Bryan as we stand a good chance to fight for a medal,” said Ken Nee.
“Bryan raised his difficulty for the 10m platform in order to match the standards of his rivals and I think he got injured by pushing himself to hard. But he should be okay when competition begins.

“It will be tough in New Delhi as we will be up against Olympic medallists from England, Canada and Australia.’
The divers will leave for New Delhi on Oct 5 and competitions begin four days later.